Tubular wellhead component coupling systems and method

ABSTRACT

A spool adapter includes an annular spool adapter body, a pressure port disposed on an exterior surface of the adapter body, a piston ring disposed within the spool adapter body, adjacent the pressure port, and a retainer ring disposed within the spool adapter body, axially opposite the pressure port from the piston ring. Pressure applied via the pressure port causes the piston ring and the retainer ring to separate from one another.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to and benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/272,974, entitled “Wellhead Components and Methods ofInstallation”, filed Dec. 30, 2015, which is herein incorporated byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects ofart that may be related to various aspects of the present disclosure,which are described and/or claimed below. This discussion is believed tobe helpful in providing the reader with background information tofacilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the presentdisclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that these statementsare to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.

As will be appreciated, oil and natural gas have a profound effect onmodern economies and societies. In order to meet the demand for suchnatural resources, companies invest time and money in searching for andextracting oil, natural gas, and other subterranean resources from theearth. Particularly, once a desired resource is discovered below thesurface of the earth, drilling and production systems are often employedto access and extract the resource. These systems can be located onshoreor offshore depending on the location of a desired resource. Further,such systems generally include a wellhead assembly through which theresource is extracted. These wellhead assemblies generally include awide variety of components and/or conduits, such as various controllines, casings, valves, and the like, that control drilling and/orextraction operations.

In drilling and extraction operations, various components and tools, inaddition to and including wellheads, are employed to provide fordrilling, completion, and production of a mineral resource. Further,during drilling and extraction operations, one or more seals may beemployed to between components to regulate and/or isolate pressures andthe like. For instance, a wellhead system often includes one or morehangers (e.g., a tubing hanger or a casing hanger) that is disposedwithin the wellhead assembly and configured to secure tubing and/orcasing suspended in the well bore. The one or more hangers generallyprovides a path for hydraulic control fluid, chemical injections, or thelike to be passed through the wellhead and into the well bore.Additionally, the tubing hanger provides a path for production fluid tobe passed through the wellhead and exit the wellhead through aproduction flow bore to an external production flow line. Additionally,one or more shoulders may be installed in the wellhead assembly tosupport various components. In certain circumstances, hangers,shoulders, and various other components may be installed in the wellheadusing a tool.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure willbecome better understood when the following detailed description is readwith reference to the accompanying figures in which like charactersrepresent like parts throughout the figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic of an embodiment of a mineral extraction system;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of an interfacebetween a spool adapter and a pin hub;

FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of an APIgasket;

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of the APIgasket;

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional side view of an embodiment of the interfacebetween the spool adapter and the pin hub, illustrating a presetposition;

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional side view of an embodiment of the interfacebetween the spool adapter and the pin hub, illustrating in a setposition;

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of a process forattaching the spool adapter to the pin hub;

FIG. 7 is a cross sectional side view of an embodiment of a hangerrunning tool and the hanger;

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional side view of an embodiment of the hangerrunning tool and hanger disposed within a wellhead;

FIG. 9 is a partial cross sectional side view of an embodiment of thehanger running tool disposed within the wellhead;

FIG. 10 is a partial cross sectional side view of an embodiment of thehanger running tool disposed within the wellhead;

FIG. 11 is a partial cross sectional side view of an embodiment of thehanger running tool disposed within the wellhead;

FIG. 12 is a partial cross sectional side view of an embodiment of thehanger running tool disposed within the wellhead;

FIG. 13 is a cross sectional side view of an embodiment of the hangerrunning tool being removed from the wellhead, in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 is a cross sectional side view of the wellhead with the hangerrunning tool fully removed, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 15 is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of a process forinstalling a hanger in a wellhead using the hanger running tool;

FIG. 16 is a cross sectional side view of an embodiment of a shoulderrunning tool and a shoulder in the wellhead;

FIG. 17 is a cross sectional side view of an embodiment of the shoulderin the wellhead, illustrating an embodiment of a preloaded lock ring;

FIG. 18 is a cross sectional side view of an embodiment of the shoulderin the wellhead, illustrating the shoulder running tool being removedfrom the wellhead;

FIG. 19 is a cross sectional side view of an embodiment of the shoulderinstalled in the wellhead, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent disclosure; and

FIG. 20 is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of a process forinstalling a shoulder in a wellhead, in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure will bedescribed below. These described embodiments are only exemplary of thepresent disclosure. Additionally, in an effort to provide a concisedescription of these exemplary embodiments, all features of an actualimplementation may not be described in the specification. It should beappreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation,as in any engineering or design project, numerousimplementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve thedevelopers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related andbusiness-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation toanother. Moreover, it should be appreciated that such a developmenteffort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be aroutine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those ofordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure.

When introducing elements of various embodiments of the presentdisclosure, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are intended tomean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,”“including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean thatthere may be additional elements other than the listed elements.Moreover, the use of “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below,” and variationsof these terms is made for convenience, but does not require anyparticular orientation of the components.

Embodiments of the present technique include systems and methods forinstalling various components within a wellhead assembly. As explainedin greater detail below, the disclosed embodiments include a spooladapter, a pin hub, an API gasket, a hanger, a hanger running tool, ashoulder, and a shoulder running tool.

A wellhead system often includes a tubing hanger or casing hanger thatis disposed within the wellhead assembly and configured to secure tubingand casing suspended in the well bore. In addition, the hanger generallyregulates pressures and provides a path for hydraulic control fluid,chemical injections, or the like to be passed through the wellhead andinto the well bore. A wellhead system may also include shoulders tosupport and/or act as stops for various components (e.g., hangers)within the wellhead. The present disclosure includes systems and methodsfor coupling various wellhead components (e.g., pin hub housing, spooladapter, sections of tubing, sections of casing, etc.) to one another,installing hangers, and installing shoulders.

FIG. 1 is a schematic of an embodiment of a mineral extraction system10. The illustrated mineral extraction system 10 can be configured toextract various minerals and natural resources, including hydrocarbons(e.g., oil and/or natural gas), from sub-surface mineral or resourcedeposits 14, or configured to inject substances into the earth. In someembodiments, the mineral extraction system 10 is land-based (e.g., asurface system) or subsea (e.g., a subsea system). As illustrated, thesystem 10 includes a wellhead 12 coupled to a mineral deposit 14 via awell 16. For example, the well 16 includes a wellhead hub 18 and a wellbore 20.

The wellhead hub 18 may include a large diameter hub that is disposed atthe termination of the well bore 20 near the surface. The wellhead hub18 may provide for the connection of the wellhead 12 to the well 16. Thewellhead 12 may be coupled to a connector of the wellhead hub 18. Forexample, the wellhead 12 may include a connector (e.g., a spool adapter23) that is configured to interface with, and couple to, a complementaryconnector (e.g., a pin hub 22) of the wellhead hub 18.

The wellhead 12 generally includes a series of devices and componentsthat control and regulate activities and conditions associated with thewell 16. For example, the wellhead 12 may provide for routing the flowof produced minerals from the mineral deposit 14 and the well bore 20,provide for regulating pressure in the well 16, and provide for theinjection of chemicals into the well bore 20 (down-hole). In theillustrated embodiment, the wellhead 12 includes a tubing spool tree 24(e.g., a tubing spool or a horizontal tubing spool tree), one or morehangers 26 (e.g., a tubing hanger or a casing hanger), one or moreshoulders 27, and the spool adapter 23. The system 10 may also includedevices that are coupled to the wellhead 12, and those that are used toassemble and control various components of the wellhead 12. For example,in the illustrated embodiment, the system 10 also includes a tool 28suspended from a drill string 30. In certain embodiments, the tool 28may include running tools (e.g., hanger running tools, shoulder runningtools, etc.) that are lowered (e.g., run) from an offshore vessel to thewell 16, the wellhead 12, and the like.

The tubing spool tree 24 generally includes a variety of flow paths(e.g., bores), valves, fittings, and controls for operating the well 16.For instance, the tubing spool tree 24 may include a frame that isdisposed about a body, a flow-loop, actuators, and valves. Further, thetubing spool tree 24 may provide fluid communication with the well 16.For example, the illustrated tubing spool tree 24 includes a spool bore32. The spool bore 32 may provide for completion and workoverprocedures, such as the insertion of tools (e.g., the one or morehangers 26, the one or more shoulders 27) into the well 16, theinjection of various chemicals into the well 16 (down-hole), and thelike. Further, minerals extracted from the well 16 (e.g., oil andnatural gas) may be regulated and routed via the tubing spool tree 24.The tubing hanger bore 38 may provide access to the well bore 20 forvarious completion and worker procedures. For example, components may berun down to the wellhead 12 and disposed in the tubing hanger bore 38 toseal-off the well bore 20, to inject chemicals down-hole, to suspendtools down-hole, to retrieve tools down-hole, and the like.

FIGS. 2-6 are various cross-sectional side views of the interface 78between the spool adapter 23 and the pin hub 22 shown in FIG. 1, and anAPI gasket 80 disposed between the spool adapter 23 and the pin hub 22.The pin hub 22 may be part of the wellhead hub 18, disposed at an end ofthe wellhead hub 18 opposite the well bore 20 in the axial direction 42,where the wellhead hub 18 meets the wellhead 12. The spool adapter 23may be a part of the wellhead 12, disposed at an end of the wellheadnearest the wellhead hub 18 in the axial direction 42, where thewellhead 12 meets the wellhead hub 18. The spool adapter 23 may beconfigured to couple to the pin hub 22, enabling a fluid-tightconnection at the interface 78 between the wellhead 12 and the wellheadhub 18 such that fluid (e.g., extracted minerals from the mineraldeposit 14) may flow (e.g., through tubing or a casing) in the axialdirection 42 through the wellhead hub 18 and into the wellhead 12. Thedisclosed techniques utilize hydraulic pressure to preload the interface78 between the spool adapter 23 and the pin hub 22 before coupling thespool adapter 23 and the pin hub 22. Using hydraulic pressure to preloadthe interface 78 reduces or eliminates the need for large and expensiveequipment used to mechanically preload the interface 78 (e.g., applyinga downward force on the spool adapter 23).

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of the interface78 between the spool adapter 23 and a pin hub 22. For clarity, an axialdirection 42, a radial direction 44, and a circumferential direction 46are shown in FIG. 2. These directions may be referenced when describingthe proceeding figures and various components shown therein. The pin hub22 may include a pin hub housing 82 (e.g., a body). The pin hub housing82 may include a plurality of threaded set screw holes 86 disposedcircumferentially 46 about the pin hub housing 82. The threaded setscrew holes 86 extend radially 44 inward from an exterior surface 84 ofthe pin hub housing 82. The pin hub housing 82 may also include anannular lock screw recess 88 extending radially 44 inward from theexterior surface 84 of the pin hub housing 82. The annular lock screwrecess 88 may extend circumferentially 46 around the exterior surface 84of the pin hub housing 82. The annular lock screw recess 88 may havetapered top and bottom surfaces 87, 89. The pin hub housing 82 may alsoinclude an annular gasket recess 90 in an axial 42 facing top surface 92of the pin hub housing 82 for receiving a gasket 80 (e.g., an APIgasket).

The spool adapter 23 may have a body 94. The body 94 of the spooladapter 23 has one or more threaded lock screw holes 96 disposedcircumferentially 46 about the spool adapter 23, extending radiallyinward from an exterior surface 95 of the spool adapter 23. The one ormore threaded lock screw holes 96 are configured to receive lock screws97. The body 94 of the spool adapter 23 may also include one or more setscrew through holes 98 disposed circumferentially 46 about the body 94.The one or more set screw through holes 98 extend radially 44 inwardfrom the exterior surface 95 of the body 94 through an entire thicknessof the body 94. In an installed configuration set screws 100 extendradially 44 through the set screw through holes 98 and into the threadedset screw holes 86 of the pin hub 22. The spool adapter 23 may alsoinclude a pressure port 102 disposed on the exterior surface 95 of thespool adapter 23. A piston ring 104 may be disposed within the spooladapter 23, axially 42 above the pressure port 102, and held in place bya retainer ring 106. The piston ring 104 may include one or more annularseals 105 (e.g., an o-ring) disposed between the piston ring 104 and thepin hub housing 82, and between the piston ring 104 and the spooladapter body 94. The retainer ring 106 may be disposed axially 42 belowthe pressure port 102. The retainer ring 106 may include exteriorthreads 108, which interface with interior threads 110 of the spooladapter body 94. The retainer ring 106 may include one or more annularseals 107 (e.g., an o-ring) disposed between the retainer ring 106 andthe pin hub housing 82, and between the retainer ring 106 and the spooladapter body 94. The body 94 of the spool adapter 23 may have a spooladapter bore 112 extending axially 42 into the body 94. The spooladapter bore 112 has a diameter 111 slightly larger than an outsidediameter 113 of the pin hub housing 82 such that the spool adapter bore112 may receive the pin hub housing 82. The body 94 may have a shoulder114, at which the spool adapter bore 112 terminates. The shoulder 114may have an annular gasket recess 116 for receiving the gasket 80 (e.g.,the API gasket) of the pin hub 22.

As discussed with regard to FIG. 2, the annular gasket 80 (e.g., APIgasket) is disposed at the interface 78 of the spool adapter 23 and thepin hub 22. FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment ofthe API gasket 80. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A, a cross sectionthe API gasket 80 (e.g., API BX gasket 140) may be substantiallyH-shaped with a top recess 142 and a bottom recess 144, such that theAPI BX gasket 140 includes an annular outside portion 146 and an annularinside portion 148, joined by a stem 150. The inside portion 148 mayinclude one or more top bores 152 and one or more bottom bores 154. Thetop bores 152 and the bottom bores 154 extend radially 44 outward froman interior volume 156 (e.g., the interior of the wellhead 12 orwellhead hub 18) disposed radially 44 inward of the inside portion 148,to the top recess 142 and bottom recess 144, respectively. The top andbottom holes 152, 154 may fluidly couple the interior volume 156 to thetop recess 142 and bottom recess 144, respectively, thereby enablingpressure equalization between the interior volume 156 and the top andbottom recesses 142. When the pressure between the interior volume 156and the top and bottom recesses 142, 144 is equalized, pressure acts onthe outside portion 146 of the gasket 140, improving the seal at theinterface 78 between the pin hub 22 and the spool adapter 23.

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of the APIgasket. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3B, the cross section of the APIgasket 80 (e.g., API R/RX gasket 158), the cross section of the gasket158 may be substantially H-shaped. The gasket 158 includes a top recess160 and a bottom recess 162. Accordingly, the API R/RX gasket 158includes an annular outside portion 164 and an annular inside portion166, joined by a stem 168. Whereas the top recess 142 and bottom recess144 of the API BX gasket 140 shown in FIG. 3A are of substantially thesame size and shape, in the API R/RX gasket 158 shown in FIG. 3B, thetop recess 160 is larger than the bottom recess 162.

Similarly, the outside portion 164 of the API R/RX gasket 158 is thickerin the radial direction 44 than the inside portion 166. As with the APIBX gasket 140, the inside portion 166 of the API R/RX gasket 158 mayinclude at least one top bore 170 and at least one bottom bore 172,which extend radially 44 from the interior volume 156 (e.g., theinterior of the wellhead 12 or wellhead hub 18) to the top recess 160and bottom recess 162, respectively. The top and bottom bores 170, 172may fluidly couple the interior volume 156 to the top recess 160 and thebottom recess 162, respectively, thereby enabling pressure equalizationbetween the interior volume 156 and the top and bottom recesses 160,162, such that the pressure in the interior volume 156 acts on theoutside portion 164 of the gasket 158. When the pressure between theinterior volume 156 and the top and bottom recesses 162, 164 isequalized, pressure acts on the outside portion 164 of the gasket 158,improving the seal at the interface 78 between the pin hub 22 and thespool adapter 23.

Though FIG. 2 depicts the gasket 80 between the spool adapter 23 and thepin hub housing 82, it should be understood that gaskets 80, 140, 158may be used to form seals elsewhere in the mineral extraction system 10.Furthermore, though API gaskets 80 are typically made of steel, gaskets80, 140, 158 made of other materials, such as other metals, polymers,elastomers, and the like may be possible.

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional side view of an embodiment of the interface78 between the spool adapter 23 and the pin hub 22, in a presetposition. As shown in FIG. 4, the spool adapter 23 has been loweredaxially 42 toward the pin hub 22 (e.g., via the tool 28) until thegasket 80 (disposed in the gasket recess 90 of the pin hub housing 82)contacts the gasket recess 116 of the spool adapter 23. Thisconfiguration may be referred to as the “running position.” In therunning position, the set screws 100 inserted radially 44 through theset screw through holes 98 in the spool adapter 23 align with thethreaded set screw holes 86 in the pin hub housing 82. The set screws100 may be inserted through the set screw through holes 86 in the spooladapter 23 and into the threaded set screw holes 86 in the pin hubhousing 82. The threads of the set screws 100 engage with threads of thethreaded set screw holes 86, as shown in FIG. 4. This configuration maybe referred to as the “preset position.” In the preset position, thereis a gap 200 between the shoulder 114 of the spool adapter 23 and thetop surface 92 of the pin hub housing 82. Additionally, in the presetposition, the lock screw recess 88 in the pin hub housing 82 does notradially 44 align with the threaded lock screw holes 96 in the spooladapter 23. The lock screw recess 88 and the threaded lock screw holes96 may be brought into alignment by hydraulically preloading the APIgasket 80.

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional side view of an embodiment of the interface78 between the spool adapter 23 and the pin hub 22, in a set position.To progress from the preset position shown in FIG. 4 to the set positionshown in FIG. 5, hydraulic pressure is applied via the pressure port102. The hydraulic pressure may be provided via a conduit (e.g.,hydraulic line, hose, manifold etc.), which may be fluidly coupled to asource of hydraulic pressure (e.g., a hydraulic pump, a reservoir ofhydraulic fluid, etc.). The applied pressure causes the piston ring 104and the retainer ring 106 to separate from one another in the axialdirection 42, forming a gap 220. The piston ring 104 pushes against theset screws 100. Because the retainer ring 106 is attached to the spooladapter 23 via the threads 108, 110, the retainer ring 106 pulls thespool adapter 23 toward the pin hub 22, closing the gap 200 (shown inFIG. 4). When the gap 200 is closed, the spool adapter 23 and the pinhub 22 are in the set position. In the set position, the threaded lockscrew holes 96 of the spool adapter 23 radially align with the lockscrew recess 88 of the pin hub housing 82. The lock screws 97 aretightened, locking the spool adapter 23 and the pin hub 22 in place.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart 250 illustrating an embodiment of a process forattaching the spool adapter 23 to the pin hub 22, as shown and describedwith regard to FIGS. 2-5. In block 252, the spool adapter 23 ispositioned over the pin hub 22. This may be done by lowering the spooladapter 23 in the axial direction 42 onto the pin hub 22 (e.g., via thetool 28). The spool adapter 23 may be lowered axially toward the pin hub22 until the API gasket 80 is in contact with both the gasket recess 90of the pin hub 22 and the gasket recess 116 of the spool adapter 23. Inthis position, referred to as the running position, there is a gap 200between the top surface 92 of the pin hub housing 82 and the shoulder114 of the spool adapter. At this point, the threaded set screw holes 86in the pin hub housing 82 may substantially radially align with the setscrew through holes 98 in the spool adapter 23.

In block 254, the set screws 100 are installed. The set screws 100 maybe inserted radially 44 into the set screw through holes 98 in the spooladapter 23. The threads of the set screws 100 may then engage with thethreads in the threaded set screw holes 86 in the pin hub housing 82.When tightened, the set screw 100 may protrude radially outward of thethreaded set screw holes 86. The set screws 100 may act as a stop suchthat the piston ring 104 may push against the set screws 100. Thisposition is referred to as the preset position.

In block 256, pressure is applied via the pressure port 102. The appliedpressure between the piston ring 104 and the retainer ring 106 (eachhaving annular seals 105, 107), causes the piston ring 104 and theretainer ring 106 to separate from one another. The set screws 100protruding out of the pin hub housing 82 act as a stop for the pistonring 104. The pressure causes the piston ring 104 to pushes against theset screws 100 as the retainer ring 106 moves downward, away from thepiston ring 104. Because the retainer ring 106 is attached to the spooladapter 23 by threads 108, 110, the retainer ring 106 pulls the spooladapter 23 with it as the retainer ring moves axially 42 downward. Asthe spool adapter 23 moves axially 42 downward, the gap 200 closes andthe API gasket 80 is loaded. As the spool adapter 23 moves axially 42downward toward the pin hub housing 82, the lock screw recess 88 in thepin hub housing 82 aligns with the threaded lock screw holes 96 in thespool adapter 23.

In block 258, the lock screws 97 are tightened. The threads on theexterior of the lock screw 97 engage with the threads on the interior ofthe threaded lock screw holes 96. As the lock screws 97 are tightened,the tips of the lock screws 97 engage with the lock screw recess 88 inthe pin hub housing 82, holding the pin hub housing 82 and the spooladapter 23 in place relative to one another. This position may bereferred to as the set position. In the set position, pressure may bereleased from the pressure port 102, and/or the set screws 100 may beremoved.

FIGS. 7-15 illustrate embodiments of a system and method for installinga hanger in the spool adapter 23, or elsewhere in the tubing spool tree24 or the wellhead 12. FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of a hangerrunning tool 300 with a hanger 301 coupled to the hanger running tool300. The hanger running tool 300 may be the tool 28 depicted in FIG. 1.Similarly, the hanger 301 may be the same as the hanger 26 shown in FIG.1.

The hanger running tool 300 has an upper body 302 and a lower body 304.An upper piston 306 is disposed about the upper body 302. A lower piston308 is disposed about the upper body 302 and the lower body 304. Theupper piston 306 and the lower piston 308 each have respective interiorseal rings 311, 313 configured to form a seal with the lower body 304,and respective exterior seal rings 310, 312 configured to form a sealwith a surrounding casing. One or more bolts 314 may be disposed aboutand exterior to the hanger running tool 300. The bolts 314 may extendaxially 42 through bolt holes 315 in the upper piston 306 and the lowerbody 304 of the hanger running tool 300. The bolts 314 may bemechanically coupled to a first push ring 316. In the embodiment shownin FIG. 7, threads 319 on the bolts 314 interface with one or morethreaded holes 317 of the first push ring 316. The hanger running tool300 may also include a first lock ring 318. The first lock ring 318couples the hanger 301 to the hanger running tool 300 as the hangerrunning tool 300 is run axially 42 down to, and into, the wellhead 12.Specifically, the first lock ring 318 has teeth 324 on an interiorsurface 325 of the lock ring 318 that interface with corresponding teeth326 on an exterior surface 327 of the hanger 301 in order to couple thehanger 301 to the hanger running tool 300. The first lock ring 318interfaces with the first push ring 316 such that when the first pushring 316 moves axially 42 downward, the first push ring 316 pushes thefirst lock ring 318 radially 44 inward. As the first lock ring 318 movesradially 44 inward, the teeth 324 of the first lock ring 318 engage withthe teeth 326 of the hanger 301, retaining the hanger 301.

Correspondingly, when the first push ring 316 moves axially 42 upward,the first push ring 316 releases the first lock ring 318, allowing thefirst lock ring 318 to expand radially 44 outward. As the first lockring 318 expands radially 44 outward, the teeth 324 of the first lockring 318 disengage from the teeth 326 of the hanger 301, freeing thehanger 301 from the hanger running tool 300. The hanger running tool 300may also include one or more J-slots 305 that interface with the hanger301 via a shear pin 307. Shearing the shear pin 307 may decouple, orpartially decouple, the hanger running tool 300 and the hanger 300,enabling relative rotation (e.g. circumferential 46 movement).

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional side view of an embodiment of the hangerrunning tool 300 disposed within the wellhead 12. The hanger runningtool 300 is inserted (e.g., run) into the spool adapter 23, or otherwellhead 12 component, until the hanger 301 lands on a tapered shoulder340. The tapered shoulder 340 may have been previously installed in thewellhead (e.g., via a shoulder running tool as shown and described withregard to FIGS. 16-20). In some embodiments, the tapered shoulder 340may be part of a component previously installed in the wellhead 12. Forexample, in the present embodiment, the tapered shoulder 340 is part ofthe spool adapter 23. This arrangement, with the hanger running tool 300disposed within the wellhead 12, and the hanger running tool 300 or thehanger 301 lands on a tapered shoulder 340, is referred to as the“running position.” From the running position, pressure is applied via atest port 342. The test port 342 may be a pre-existing component in thewellhead 12 enabling a user to test the pressure in the wellhead 12. Thepressure applied via the test port 342 may be pneumatic or hydraulicpressure provided via a conduit (e.g., hose, manifold, hydraulic line,etc.), which may be fluidly coupled to a source of pressure (e.g., apump, a reservoir of hydraulic fluid, a cylinder, etc.).

FIG. 9 is a partial cross sectional side view of an embodiment of thehanger running tool 300 disposed within the wellhead 12. As pressure isapplied via the test port 342, the pressure in a volume 344 between theupper piston 306 and the lower piston 308 increases. The respectiveseals 310, 312 in the upper piston 306 and lower piston 308 keep thevolume 344 sealed to contain the pressure. The upper piston 306 staysstationary because it is rigidly coupled to the upper body 302.Accordingly, the pressure in the volume 344 acts to push the lowerpiston 308 axially 42 downward.

FIG. 10 is a partial cross sectional side view of an embodiment of thehanger running tool 300 disposed within the wellhead 12. As shown inFIG. 10, the lower piston 308 may interface with a second push ring 320and a second lock ring 322. When the lower piston 308 moves axially 42downward, the lower piston 308 pushes the second push ring 320 axially42 downward, which in turn pushes the second lock ring 322 radially 44outward. As the lower piston 308 moves axially 42 downward, it pushesthe second push ring 320 axially 42 downward. The bottom end of thesecond push ring 320 includes a tapered exterior surface 346 thatinterfaces with a tapered interior surface 348 of the second lock ring322. As the second push ring 320 moves axially 42 downward, the taperedexterior surface 346 interfaces with the tapered interior surface 348 ofthe second lock ring 322, which pushes the second lock ring 322 radially44 outward into a groove 350 of the spool adapter 23. The pressure maythen be released and the hanger 301 overpulled (e.g., the hanger 301 maybe pulled axially 42 upward via the hanger running tool 300 by pullingthe hanger running tool axially 42 upward) to ensure the second lockring 322 is set in position.

FIG. 11 is a partial cross sectional side view of an embodiment of thehanger running tool 300 and hanger 301 disposed within the wellhead 12,illustrating preloading of the second lock ring 322. A quarter-turn ofthe hanger running tool 300 (e.g., in the circumferential direction 46)shears the shear pin 307 (FIG. 7), which decouples the hanger runningtool 300 and the hanger 301. The quarter turn of the hanger running tool300 (e.g., in the circumferential direction 46) pushes the second lockring 322 completely into the groove 350, thereby preloading the secondlock ring 322. Because the groove 350 has tapered edges 351, the secondlock ring 322 moves upward axially 42 as the tapered bottom surface 353of the second lock ring 322 interfaces with the tapered surface 351 ofthe groove 350. As the second lock ring 322 moves up and expandsradially 44 into the groove 350, a retainer ring 352 also moves axially42 upward. As the retainer ring 352 moves upward, a gap 354 is opened.At this point, cementing operations may be performed.

FIG. 12 is a partial cross sectional side view of an embodiment of thehanger running tool 300 and the hanger 301 disposed within the wellhead,illustrating a second pressure. The second pressure is applied via thetest port 342. The pressure applied via the test port 342 may bepneumatic or hydraulic pressure provided via a conduit (e.g., hose,manifold, hydraulic line, etc.), which may be fluidly coupled to asource of pressure (e.g., a pump, a reservoir of hydraulic fluid, acylinder, etc.). As the second pressure is applied via the test port342, the pressure in volume 344 increases. The increased pressure involume 344 pushes the upper piston 306 axially 42 upward. Because thefirst push ring 316 is coupled to the upper piston 306 via bolts 314,the push ring 316 lifts axially 42 upward as the upper piston 306 ispushed axially 42 upward. As the push ring 316 lifts axially 42 upward,the first lock ring 318 is released, enabling the first lock ring 318 toexpand radially 44 outward. As the first lock ring 318 expands radially44 outward, the teeth 324 of the first lock ring 318 disengage from theteeth 326 of the hanger 301. Because the shear pin 307 has been shearedand the teeth 324 of the first lock ring 318 are disengaged from theteeth 326 of the hanger 301, the hanger running tool 300 and the hanger301 are decoupled from one another. Pressure may then be released viathe test port 342.

FIG. 13 is a cross sectional side view of an embodiment of the hangerrunning tool 300 being removed from the wellhead 12. Because the hangerrunning tool 300 and the hanger 301 are decoupled from one another, thehanger running tool 300 may be removed by pulling the tool straight upaxially 42 through the wellhead 12.

FIG. 14 is a cross sectional side view of the wellhead with the hangerrunning tool fully removed and the hanger 301 installed. At this point,casing, tubing, additional components, shoulders 27, or hangers 26 maybe installed.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart of a process 400 for installing the hanger 301.In block 402, the hanger running tool 300 is inserted into the wellhead12. The hanger running tool 300 is lowered into the wellhead 12 untilthe hanger running tool 300 lands on the tapered shoulder 340. Thetapered shoulder 340 may have been previously installed in the wellhead(e.g., via a shoulder running tool as shown and described with regard toFIGS. 16-20). In some embodiments, the tapered shoulder 340 may be partof a component previously installed in the wellhead 12. For example, inthe present embodiment, the tapered shoulder 340 is part of the spooladapter 23. This is referred to as the running position.

In block 404, pressure is applied via the test port 342. The test port342 may be a pre-existing component in the wellhead 12 enabling a userto test the pressure in the wellhead 12. The pressure applied via thetest port 342 may be pneumatic or hydraulic pressure provided via aconduit (e.g., hose, manifold, hydraulic line, etc.), which may befluidly coupled to a source of pressure (e.g., a pump, a reservoir ofhydraulic fluid, a cylinder, etc.). As pressure is applied via the testport 342, the pressure in the volume 344 between the upper piston 306and the lower piston 308 increases, pushing the lower piston 308 axially42 downward. The lower piston 308 may be coupled to the second push ring320 and the second lock ring 322. When the lower piston 308 movesaxially 42 downward, the lower piston 308 pushes the second push ring320 axially 42 downward. As the second push ring 320 moves axially 42downward, the second push ring 320 pushes the second lock ring 322radially 44 outward into the groove 350 of the spool adapter 23. Inblock 406, pressure is released via the test port 342 and the hangeroverpulled (e.g., the hanger 301 may be pulled axially 42 upward via thehanger running tool 300 by pulling the hanger running tool axially 42upward) to ensure the second lock ring 322 is set in position.

In block 408, the tool is rotated a quarter turn to preload the secondlock ring 322. The quarter-turn of the hanger running tool 300 (e.g., inthe circumferential direction 46) shears the shear pin 307 (FIG. 7),which decouples the hanger running tool 300 and the hanger 301. Thequarter turn of the hanger running tool 300 (e.g., in thecircumferential direction 46) pushes the second lock ring 322 completelyinto the groove 350, thereby preloading the second lock ring 322.Because the groove 350 has tapered edges 351, the second lock ring 322moves upward axially 42 as the tapered bottom surface 353 of the secondlock ring 322 interfaces with the tapered surface 351 of the groove 350.As the second lock ring 322 moves up and expands radially 44 into thegroove 350, a retainer ring 352 also moves axially 42 upward. As theretainer ring 352 moves upward, a gap 354 is opened. At this point,cementing operations may be performed.

In block 410, a second pressure is applied via the test port 342 Thepressure applied via the test port 342 may be pneumatic or hydraulicpressure provided via a conduit (e.g., hose, manifold, hydraulic line,etc.), which may be fluidly coupled to a source of pressure (e.g., apump, a reservoir of hydraulic fluid, a cylinder, etc.). As the secondpressure is applied via the test port 342, the pressure in volume 344increases. The increased pressure in volume 344 pushes the upper piston306 axially 42 upward. Because the first push ring 316 is coupled to theupper piston 306 via bolts 314, the push ring 316 lifts axially 42upward as the upper piston 306 is pushed axially 42 upward. As the pushring 316 lifts axially 42 upward, the first lock ring 318 is released,enabling the first lock ring 318 to expand radially 44 outward. As thefirst lock ring 318 expands radially 44 outward, the teeth 324 of thefirst lock ring 318 disengage from the teeth 326 of the hanger 301.Because the shear pin 307 has been sheared and the teeth 324 of thefirst lock ring 318 are disengaged from the teeth 326 of the hanger 301,the hanger running tool 300 and the hanger 301 are decoupled from oneanother.

In block 412, pressure may then be released via the test port 342. Inblock 414, the hanger running tool 300 is pulled straight up, removed,and retrieved.

FIGS. 16-20 are various views of embodiments of systems and methods forinstalling a high strength preload shoulder 448 into the wellhead 12using a shoulder running tool 450. FIG. 16 is a cross sectional sideview of an embodiment of the shoulder running tool 450 and the shoulder448 in the wellhead 12. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 16, the shoulder448 may be disposed axially 42 above the hanger 301. However, in otherembodiments, the shoulder 448 may be disposed axially 42 below thehanger 301. The shoulder 448 may be used as a support and/or a stop forvarious components (e.g., hangers, tubing, casing, etc.) within thewellhead 12. The shoulder 448 may include a load ring 452, a lock ring454, and a retainer ring 456. In some embodiments, the shoulder 448 mayinclude a plurality of J-slots 458 that interface with each of aplurality of corresponding protrusions 460 in the shoulder running tool450. The shoulder 448 may have a castellated bottom surface 462 (e.g.,having a plurality of slots disposed circumferentially 46 about thebottom surface 462). The shoulder 448 is mated to the shoulder runningtool 450 via the J-slots 458 in the shoulder running tool 450. Theshoulder 448 and the shoulder running tool 450 are lowered axially 24through the wellhead 12 until the castellated bottom surface 462 of theshoulder 448 rests on a castellated top surface 466 of a preload ring464. The castellated bottom surface 462 of the shoulder 448 may engagewith the castellated top surface 466 of the preload ring 464. Theengagement between the shoulder 448 and the shoulder running tool 450may provide a positive lock when the shoulder running tool 450 isrotated circumferentially 46 clockwise or counter clockwise. In someembodiments, the shoulder running tool 450 may be turnedcounterclockwise to ensure that the castellated bottom surface 462 isengaged with the castellated top surface 466. This may be referred to asthe “running position.”

FIG. 17 is a cross sectional side view of an embodiment of the shoulderrunning tool 450 and shoulder 448 with a preloaded lock ring 454 in thewellhead 12. From the running position, the shoulder running tool 450 isrotated circumferentially 46 clockwise, thereby shearing a shear pin468, and disengaging the protrusion 460 from the J-slot 458. As theshoulder running tool 450 rotates, threads 470 on the load ring 452engage with threads 472 on the second retainer ring 456, causing theload ring 452 to move axially 42 downward. As the load ring 452 movesaxially 42 downward, a tapered bottom surface 474 of the load ring 452engages with the tapered top surface 476 of the second lock ring 454,pushing the second lock ring 454 radially 44 outward into a recess 478of the wellhead 12. The second lock ring 454 is preloaded when the loadring 452 lands on a top surface 480 of the second retainer ring 456.

FIG. 18 is a cross sectional side view of an embodiment of the shoulder448 in the wellhead 12, illustrating the shoulder running tool 450 beingremoved from the wellhead 12. Once the J-slot 458 of the shoulder 448 isdisengaged, the shoulder 448 and the shoulder running tool 450 aredecoupled from one another. Accordingly, once the second lock ring 454is preloaded, the shoulder running tool 450 may be removed by pullingthe shoulder running tool 450 straight up axially 42 out of the wellhead12. FIG. 19 is a cross sectional side view of an embodiment of theshoulder 448 in the wellhead 12, illustrating the installed shoulder 448and the shoulder running tool 450 removed from the wellhead 12.

FIG. 20 is a flow chart of a process 500 for installing a shoulder 448in a wellhead 12. In block 502, the shoulder 448 is mated to theshoulder running tool 450. In the illustrated embodiment, the shoulderrunning 448 includes J-slots 458 that interface with correspondingprotrusions 460 in the shoulder running tool 450. The shoulder runningtool 450 may be inserted into the shoulder 448 such that the protrusions460 in the shoulder running tool 450 align with the J-slots 458 in theshoulder 448. The shoulder 448 and shoulder running tool 450 may then berotated relative to one another, locking the shoulder 448 in place andmating it to the shoulder running tool 450.

In block 504, the shoulder running tool 450 and the shoulder 448, whichis attached to the shoulder running tool 450, are inserted into thewellhead 12. The shoulder running tool 450 may be lowered through thewellhead 12 until the castellated bottom surface 462 of the shoulder 448rests on top of the castellated top surface 466 of the preload ring 464.The castellated bottom surface 462 of the shoulder 448 engages with thecastellated top surface 466 of the preload ring 464. In block 506, theshoulder running tool 450 may be turned counterclockwise to ensure thatthe castellated bottom surface 462 is engaged with the castellated topsurface 466. This may be referred to as the “running position.”

In block 508, the shoulder running tool 450 is rotated clockwise,thereby shearing the shear pin 468, and disengaging the protrusion 460from the J-slot 458. In block 510, the shoulder running tool 450 isfurther rotated circumferentially 46 clockwise to pre-load the load ring452. As the shoulder running tool 450 rotates, the threads 470 on theload ring 452 engage with threads 472 on the second retainer ring 456,causing the load ring 452 to move axially 42 downward. As the load ring452 moves axially 42 downward, the tapered bottom surface 474 of theload ring 452 interfaces with the tapered top surface 476 of the secondlock ring 454, pushing the second lock ring 454 radially 44 outward intothe recess 478 of the housing 82. The second lock ring 454 is preloadedwhen the load ring 452 lands on the top surface 480 of the secondretainer ring 456.

In block 512, the shoulder running tool 450 may be removed by pullingthe tool straight up out of the wellhead 12. Once the J-slot 458 of theshoulder 448 is disengaged, the shoulder 448 and the shoulder runningtool 450 are decoupled from one another. Accordingly, once the secondlock ring 454 is preloaded, the shoulder running tool 450 may be removedby pulling the shoulder running tool 450 straight up axially 42 out ofthe wellhead 12. In block 514 the shoulder running tool 450 may beretrieved.

The present disclosure improves component design, as well as the designof tools for installing said components, in order to enable simpler andmore reliable installation of said components. The disclosed techniquesmay be applied to gaskets, pin hub housings, shoulders, hangers, andother components used at the wellhead of mineral extraction systems.

While the disclosed subject matter may be susceptible to variousmodifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have beenshown by way of example in the drawings and have been described indetail herein.

However, it should be understood that the disclosure is not intended tobe limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the disclosure isto cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling withinthe spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the followingappended claims.

1. A system comprising: a spool adapter, comprising: an annular spooladapter body; a pressure port disposed on an exterior surface of theadapter body; a piston ring disposed within the spool adapter body,adjacent the pressure port; and a retainer ring disposed within thespool adapter body, axially opposite the pressure port from the pistonring; wherein pressure applied via the pressure port causes a the pistonring and the retainer ring to separate from one another.
 2. The systemof claim 1, wherein the spool adapter comprises a plurality of lockscrews, each disposed within one of a plurality of threaded lock screwholes disposed circumferentially about the spool adapter body.
 3. Thesystem of claim 2, wherein the piston ring comprises a first annularouter seal disposed between the piston ring and the spool adapter. 4.The system of claim 3, wherein, the retainer ring comprising a secondannular outer seal disposed between the retainer ring and the spooladapter, and a threaded exterior surface, wherein the retainer ring isdisposed within the spool adapter body such that the threaded exteriorsurface interfaces with a threaded interior surface of the spool adapterbody to secure the retainer ring in place and constrain downwardmovement of the piston ring.
 5. The system of claim 4, comprising: a pinhub housing, comprising: a pin hub housing body, comprising an annularlock screw recess disposed circumferentially about an exterior surfaceof the pin hub housing body; and a gasket disposed between the spooladapter and the pin hub housing; wherein, the spool adapter isconfigured to be disposed about the pin hub housing, wherein pressureapplied via the pressure port causes a gap to open between the pistonring and the retainer ring, loading the gasket and bringing the pin hubhousing and the spool adapter toward one another.
 6. The system of claim5, wherein the pin hub housing body comprises a plurality of threadedset screw holes disposed circumferentially about the pin hub housingbody and extending radially inward from the exterior surface of the pinhub housing body into the pin hub housing body, wherein pressure appliedvia the pressure port brings the plurality of set screw alignmentthrough holes into alignment with the lock screw recess, such that eachof a plurality of lock screws may be tightened to secure the spooladapter and the pin hub housing relative to one another.
 7. The systemof claim 5, wherein the lock screw recess comprises a tapered tipportion.
 8. The system of claim 5, wherein the gasket is an API gasket.9. The system of claim 5, wherein the gasket comprises: an annularinside portion; an annular outside portion disposed about the annularinside portion, wherein the annular outside portion is coupled to theannular inside portion by a stem, and wherein the annular insideportion, the stem, and the annular outside portion define a top recessand a bottom recess; a plurality of top holes extending in a radialdirection from an interior surface of the annular inside portion to thetop recess such that an interior volume disposed radially inward of theannular inside portion is in fluid communication with the top recess;and a plurality of bottom holes extending in the radial direction fromthe interior surface of the inside portion to the top recess such thatthe interior volume is in fluid communication with the bottom recess;wherein, in an installed configuration, a pressure in the interiorvolume acts on the outside portion.
 10. The system of claim 2, whereineach of the plurality of lock screws comprises a tapered nose configuredto interface with the top and bottom tapered surfaces of the lock screwrecess.
 11. A gasket, comprising: an annular inside portion; an annularoutside portion disposed about the annular inside portion, wherein theannular outside portion is coupled to the annular inside portion by astem, and wherein the annular inside portion, the stem, and the annularoutside portion define a top recess and a bottom recess; a plurality oftop holes extending in a radial direction from an interior surface ofthe annular inside portion to the top recess such that an interiorvolume disposed radially inward of the annular inside portion is influid communication with the top recess; and a plurality of bottom holesextending in the radial direction from the interior surface of theinside portion to the top recess such that the interior volume is influid communication with the bottom recess; wherein, in an installedconfiguration, a pressure in the interior volume acts on the outsideportion.
 12. The gasket of claim 11, wherein a cross-sectionalprojection of the gasket is symmetric about a horizontal plane.
 13. Thegasket of claim 11, wherein the top recess is larger than the bottomrecess.
 14. The gasket of claim 11, wherein the gasket is configured tobe used in a wellhead of a mineral extraction system.
 15. The gasket ofclaim 11, wherein the gasket is configured to be used between a spooladapter and a pin hub housing in a mineral extraction system.
 16. Thegasket of claim 11, wherein the gasket is made of steel.
 17. A method,comprising: positioning an annular spool adapter over an annular pin hubhousing; wherein the spool adapter comprises: an annular spool adapterbody; a pressure port disposed on an exterior surface of the adapterbody; a plurality of lock screws spaced circumferentially around thespool adapter and extending radially through the spool adapter body; apiston ring disposed within the spool adapter body, adjacent thepressure port; and a retainer ring disposed within the spool adapterbody, axially opposite the pressure port from the piston ring; whereinthe pin hub housing comprises: an annular lock screw recess disposedcircumferentially about an exterior surface of the pin hub housing body;a plurality of set screw holes disposed circumferentially about the pinhub housing; and a gasket disposed on a top surface of the pin hubhousing; installing a plurality of set screws into the plurality of setscrew holes in the pin hub housing; applying a pressure via the pressureport of the spool adapter wherein applying the pressure via the pressureport causes the retainer ring to separate from the piston ring, pullingthe spool adapter toward the pin hub housing; and tightening theplurality of lock screws to capture the pin hub housing.
 18. The methodof claim 17, wherein the retainer ring comprises a threaded exteriorsurface configured to engage with a threaded interior surface of thespool adapter body to couple the retainer ring to the spool adapterbody.
 19. The method of claim 17, wherein the gasket comprises: anannular inside portion; an annular outside portion disposed about theannular inside portion, wherein the annular outside portion is coupledto the annular inside portion by a stem, and wherein the annular insideportion, the stem, and the annular outside portion define a top recessand a bottom recess; a plurality of top holes extending in a radialdirection from an interior surface of the annular inside portion to thetop recess such that an interior volume disposed radially inward of theannular inside portion is in fluid communication with the top recess;and a plurality of bottom holes extending in the radial direction fromthe interior surface of the inside portion to the top recess such thatthe interior volume is in fluid communication with the bottom recess;wherein, in an installed configuration, a pressure in the interiorvolume acts on the outside portion.
 20. The method of claim 17comprising releasing the pressure via the pressure port.